LAUSR

Abstract Effect of Mn substitution on the structural, optical, surface and magnetic properties of mixed LaFeO 3 i.e. La Ce nanoferrites (La 0.9 Ce 0.1 Fe 1-x Mn x O 3 ) synthesized by hydrothermal route using ionic liquid surfactant (ILS), 1-hexadecyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride, [C 16 mim][Cl], have been explored by X-ray diffraction (XRD), IRaman spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) adsorption isotherm, Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Mӧssbauer spectroscopy etc. Incorporation of Mn in crystal lattice of La Ce ferrite induced the structural distortion as specified by structural studies. Morphology and the size of the obtained nanoparticles (NPs) get slightly altered by the quantity of dopant as observed from transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The appearance of rod shaped morphology along with spherical NPs indicates the templating effect of ILS. Surface and magnetic properties of Mn doped La Ce NPs have found to be significantly improved than that of undoped La Ce ferrites. Magnetization of the obtained NPs strongly depends on the content of Mn in the lattice. Enhanced magnetization has been observed up to certain extent of Mn doping (x = 0.3). At higher Mn content (x = 0.5), a significant reduction in magnetization has been observed as revealed from Mӧssbauer and magnetic studies. The enhanced surface area (36.18 m 2 /g) of the Mn doped samples over the undoped La Ce ferrite opens the new doors in biological and sensing applications.